Lose in 2020/January.

[BustedDreams]

Happy New Year! Here we are! Not just a brand new year but a brand new decade. New decades always feel that bit more significant and life enhancing.

I, like many others, would love to embrace the Twenty Twenties feeling more svelte, toned, healthier & happier. A massive part of that is underpinned by what we eat, when we eat it and why? In turn, how we feel mentally underpins our eating habits. Eating feelings, celebratory meals out, food rewards etc. By being balanced and mindful around food will help us all stay on track.

I know that if I don’t keep on it by setting goals, logging, calorie counting, utilising time restricted eating, and eating a mostly Mediterranean style diet I would gain month on month. Diet and weight loss isn’t a one size fits all. There are so many enjoyable options. Personally If I eat a carb heavy diet I hold not only extra weight but also carry water. My whole silhouette blobs out. I also rarely drink alcohol and keep sugar to a minimum. I exercise by walking & swimming.

I’m petite in statue, have an under active thyroid (medicated) and every bit of extra weight shows. Previously I allowed myself to get obese but since dropping 20+ lbs I’m no longer in that category. I’m still working on getting my BMI into the ‘normal’ category and this is one of my goals for 2020.

The previous threads have proved wonderfully supportive and inspiring The ladies on these threads have been awesome and shared some great achievements!

Anyone like to join me in 2020?

Add your name, personal goals, eating/exercise plan etc.

Together we can do it!

Useful Links

Fast Diet

Low Carb & Mediterranean Diet

My Fitness Pal

Intermittent Fasting

Mindful Eating

Meal Planning

Pinch of Nom

Water Intake & Weight Loss

Nutrition & Mental Health

How To Lose Weight

Been reading up this morning on intermittent fasting very interesting stuff! I'm going to do Monday-Friday 24hr dinner - dinner fasting for a month and see what results I get. Starting on the 1st.. currently removing all temptation from the pantry!! 😬

@dottydolly72 I’m doing the same, currently working my way through the Christmas cheese. But when it’s gone, it’s gone!

I’m going to do low carb, try and keep to being vegan which I did for about 6 weeks before Christmas and exercise.

I’ve a friends hen weekend in the algarve and then her wedding in the summer, this is my motivation.

Im currently batch cooking some healthy vegetarian recipes for the freezer so i can just grab and go lunches. I have no idea what the two recipes at the moment are like as im trying something new!! It felt good to pick up green vegetables and fruit in the food shop this week!!

Welcome @riotlady Congrats on your previous losses and also your future wedding 👰🏼 That’s a great motivation! Have you chosen your dress yet?

@dottydolly72 let us know how you get on. I’ve done the odd 24hr fast/OMAD but I’m unable to do it consecutively. Sunday’s is usually the day I do it as busy prepping roast dinner in the AM and eat between 15:00 - 16:00. Perhaps if I did a roast every day I might manage it

@ilovetrees30 what you cooking. We eat meat/fish free a couple of times a week. Always tasty 😋

A roasted parsnip and rosemary soup and a root vegetable and lentil casserole but its more like a dhal. They both smell good and taste okay from my seasoning tasting. Whether my OH will eat them is something different altogether!!

Hi,

I really need to do something soon. I turned 40 last Jan and since then the weight has just piled on. I did try a few times over 2019 to lose weight. I'd eat right, do my exercise regularly. Then after 3-4 weeks (however long I could last) I'd weigh myself and not lose a single thing. Then I'd get all disheartened and just eat crap again which would just lead me to gaining more weight.

I've definitely put on at least 1.5 stone, possibly close to 2 stone over 2019. This needs to go. I don't have a load to go, but I'm conscious if I don't do something soon I will just get bigger.

I'm a strong believer in not changing too many things at once otherwise its too hard to maintain. As my user name suggests I do run and this has been a constant for a few years now.

I plan to make a couple of changes to my food. Im going to attempt green tea again. I have tried various teas (mint, fruit, normal, green) in the past and while I dont mind it and can stomach it I can't say Im a fan. Though I detest coffee. So Im going to give green tea another go. I usually have a couple of small cups of hot chocolate while at work so this will go and green tea will come back in.

Also no biscuits at work. I can't have just one. That always leads to another and another etc.

This plus I also plan to add swimming once a week to my running. Currently run 2-3 times a week. I have entered a virtual medal to swim 100 laps in January to keep me motivated. Fingers crossed this helps a bit.

Hi,

Would love join in, am 14 stone and 40, need to lose 3 stone. I have bad knees which has slowed me down over last year so aim to swim, walk and do yoga plus track calories on my fitness pal.

@BustedDreams No food at your desk is an excellent idea. It would also force me to take a lunch break. I have various cookery books but nothing slimmingy. I might look at getting some to help me. Or google might be my friend 😬.

@busteddreams the new school year starts in September 2020 so I have plenty of time!

I'm going to relax at weekends as the kids are home and routine changes.. I rarely eat breakfast so that won't be an issue I shall go to the gym daily after the school run and alternate swimming with spin classes. Green tea will replace countless cups of coffee during the day.. keeping busy until dinner time will be tough! I really need to focus and shake off this weight as it feel quite uncomfortable 😣

I'd love to join and I'd also love some suggestions and help on which route to take.

So, I'm in my traditional "I must make better choices" phase. In the past, I have found New Year a good time for sticking to goals but I'm unsure what to try and whether to use something from before or start something new. Things often seem to initially work for me but then don't jive with the family or day to day busy-ness. I'm a teacher, live in Canada and both my kids play hockey (so lots of travelling and eating fast food/on the go)

I've done:
Slimming World - always worked a treat in the UK, I know it inside out. However in Canada I've always found it harder as some of my go-to foods aren't available and I can't easily compare things for syn values. (plus would be that the lady that runs the Slimming Eats website is in Canada)

IF - I tried it and it seemed to work for a while. I found it easier in the summer when I could sleep in but during term time, I've struggled to last until lunch without food and I am an evening snacker.

Keto - I actually quite enjoyed it. Although I love pasta and potatoes, unlimited cheese and ham made up for it. Husband found it very hard though and he needs to lose weight even more than me. Due to his work, he needs to be able to eat on the go (ie sandwiches) and said keto really didn't work for him.

Counting Calories/MFP - I blinking paid for a whole year of MFP premium (forgot to cancel free trial) but tbh, I find counting and weighing everything a pain in the ass.

Help me kick start my year, WWYD?

I am in.

Am already committing to quitting the booze so that should help fucking loads a bit

IF 16/8 worked for me last year, coupled with MFP, so I just need to get back on it.

I am 54 and am 5 ft 5 and weigh 12 stone 9lbs today. I would like to lose 2 stone by the end of March.

Hi! I’m in!
My story is that I have juat finished a phd. Over the past 3 years that I’ve been doing it I have:

• Turned 30
• Abandoned all exercise
• Easten a tonne of crap (and possibly become addicted to sugar)
• Gone up 2 dress sizes (probably about 1.5 stone, but unsure)
• gained loads of ugly stretch marks in my thighs and a spare tyre round my middle
• Lost all my energy
• Ruined my circadian rhythm and metabolism by pulling all nighters
• Let my mental health slip into a downward spiral.

It’s been a pretty horrible three years to be honest. However, I finished my phd this December, so 2020 is the year I plan to get my life back on track. I want to feel healthy, strong, energetic and happy. I’ve been there before so I can get there again! I want to lose the 2 dress sizes (That will take me to a size 10), and about 1.5 stone of fat. I plan on doing this by:

• walking 30 mins and doing 30 mins of yoga every weekday morning before work.

• joining a weekly dance class

• getting a personal trainer to make me a gym programme and going to the gym twice a week.

• going out to hillwalk every sunday.

Making home-cooked meals with lots of vegetables and cutting back on carbs.

Snacking on healthy alternatives to chocolate and sweets.

I hope that I can achieve this by May so that I can buy a new summer wardrobe!

@RunningNinja79 hitting 40 did me no favours either but then I did also eat a lot of cake

I now have 3st to lose

Hoping to make 2020 my weight loss year!

Hi, joining in again too. I did linger around over the summer but then I got busy and couldn't keep up with the threads. I got down to 10.10 and stayed there for a few months however the Christmas drinks and food have meant i have put on 3lb so I'm trying to avoid tipping over to the 11stones. I dont do anything in particular just eat less. I have however joined a fitness class that starts in the new year and I'm going to try and fit in a couple of runs a week.

Good morning Lovelies

@ilovetrees30 sounds very tasty. I’m doing a butternut squash soup today with a hint of chilli.

@RunningNinja79 sounds like a plan! I was where you are a couple of years ago. Next thing I found myself 3 stone over weight 😮. 2 stone down and the last stone just won’t budge! You’re best making the change now!

@slightlybonkers welcome.

@NorthernPowermouse there is loads of inspiration on the net. Diet Doctor has some parts of their website free access. Blood Sugar Recipes by Dr Michael Mosley is very good.

@annabell22 that’s a relief .... I thought you meant January Yes your goal is achievable!

@dottydolly72 you can do it! Even when you feel like giving up, DONT! It will only get worse. I know this because I did just that. Now I won’t give up no matter what hurdles come my way.

@cantthinkofauniquename perhaps try being mindful around portion control, ban snacking, reduce carbs & sugar and try to move more. Eat protein at each meal as it helps with satiety. Drink plenty of water. Base meals around fresh vegetable and lean meats, fish, chicken. For fruit have strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, pears and apples rather than bananas, mango, pineapple etc s they have the most sugar. HTH.

@2020newme sounds a great plan! Do it! Just do it! March will be here before you know it. Start now, clear the fridge, meal plan, take control.

@Peasplease21 Congrats on your PHD. What’s it in? You seem to know what route you’re taking. Sounds healthy and doable. Invest in yourself, becoming the best you is going to become your priority now!

@RubySlippers77 2020 will be your year! What’s your plan? Failing to plan is planning to fail.

@weekday28 I totally agree. Rewind the scales now before you find the lbs turns to stones gain.

Today’s menu is butternut squash soup, strawberries for lunch and oven baked fish and veg later. Walking the dog lunch after lunch. Plenty of water. White tea.

Have a good day and whatever you’re doing, do it with gusto

Last year I was 2 stone lighter and competed in a Tough Mudder and various 10k etc.
Not really sure what happened this year. I have been diagnosed as perimenopausal which I have medication for.
So I need to get my arse back in gear and lose the weight. I'm going to try a method which has previously worked for me in that I don't weigh myself. Im going to do MFP and monitor everything I eat and then exercise my wobbly little butt off.
I find that if I weigh myself I become obsessed with the numbers which then affects what I eat. For example, if I lose weight I then "treat" myself with food for doing so well. Or if I dont lose weight it negatively affects my mood for the day.
So the scales are going to be banished and I will measure weight loss by my clothes and how I'm feeling in myself.

I'd like to join you please!! I have about 4st to lose this year and absolutely have to!

I've always been slightly over weight but having a baby in June has put my at my biggest ever (unsurprisingly). I really want 2020 to be the year that I actually achieve my weight loss goals so that I can be happy and healthy for my baby.

The thing I struggle with most is actually sticking to things! I have a gym membership that I have used approximately 2 times in the last 6 months 🤦🏻‍♀️. I need someone to hold me accountable when I start to make excuses for not going .. I'm hoping you lovely ladies can be that for me and I will of course try to support you as much as I can!

I'm excited to join this journey with you all and make 2020 our year!

Hi everyone, is it ok if I join you?

I'm starting today, I even weighed myself and I am 11st 3 3/4lbs. This means I need to lose at least two stone.

I have no excuses for my fatness. I'm just a greedy bitch that constantly scoffs chocolate, lots and lots of chocolate. I also have a Diet Coke addiction which needs to stop.

For the last three weeks I have been out of control with my eating and I've just had enough. I've always got a headache or feel sick thanks to the crap I eat.

The fatter I get the less I seem to care about myself and can't be bothered with make up and trying to look nice anymore.

This all changes today

Welcome @Rustyigloo @JBCG

@Rustyigloo I agree that it’s best to stick with what you know works for you. Sounds very doable.

@JBCG Congratulations on the birth of your baby. It’s understandable that your attendance at the gym has fallen by the way side. Having a baby is a huge achievement and totally absorbing. Are you able to diarise gym time (have you someone who can look after baby/crèche facilities etc) and perhaps try not to do to much to soon. Start by weekly sessions, then twice weekly etc. Also break down your 4stone into smaller segments. So for January aim for a 7lb loss ... doable with mindful portion controlled eating. Have you decided how you are going to do it? Are calorie counting? Are you going lower carb Mediterranean etc. Do you use apps such as MFP (useful for logging) and Weight Scales etc. Here’s my suggestions:-

1. Make a realistic plan.
2. Prepare and have healthy foods available.
3. Visualise how you want to look (stay realistic)
4. Adopt the right mindset and follow the plan! Most important part!
5. Feel the joy with your changing physique. HTH

Morning, hopped on the scales today, much worse than I thought! I've gained 10lb over Christmas now taking me to 80lb loss needed 😩 hoping next year is good to me 🤞🏻

Welcome @ishugio, you’ve come to the right place! Right now tell yourself you are worth it! Do you know how you are going to do it? If not see above posts for suggestions on how to move forward. Only you has the power to change you. We can all support each other but ultimately it’s down to each one of us to choose the water over the soda, the veg crudités over the chocolate etc. Action rather than inertia. We all have to tell ourselves that 2020 is the start of a healthier & happier life!

Hi @sophieg345 you’ve done the hard part in braving the scales! Break your goal down into smaller achievable segments. 7lbs for January etc.

How are you going to do it?

@BustedDreams thank you! Yes I plan to go in the evenings. My little one goes to sleep at 7pm and the gym is open til 10pm so I should be able to squeeze an hour in a couple of evenings a week. I am also going to make a conscious effort to walk more. I only work about a 25 minute walk away so I'm going to start walking to and from when I start work in January from maternity leave.

My plan is to calorie count and just exercise more. I'll see how that goes for the first month but may look into a restrictive diet plan if that doesn't work. I've downloaded Lose It (the app) so have started logging my food as of today! It's given me the timeline of being my goal weight by the 27th July but I do think that's a bit ambitious to lose weight healthily so I'm aiming for September I think.

Oh I've also just signed up for the Hello Fresh boxes to help with portion control!